Meet Sri Lankan Researcher — Menuka Warushavithana

What are you currently working on or worked on before?

My research interests lie in Distributed Computing and Big Data. I am currently developing a system to facilitate queries over multi-feature, voluminous spatial datasets based on geometry and predicate logic (the research is funded by the National Science Foundation of the United States)
In the past, I have worked on Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing research.

You can find my work on my Google Scholar profile here.

What encouraged you to pursue your research topic?

Distributed computing (or systems) is a particularly challenging, yet fascinating domain in Computer Science. It is through the developments made in this field that we can design computer systems that are resilient, scalable, and secure. I learned enough about distributed systems in my undergraduate degree to know that it has to be my choice of the field for higher education.

I believe that the best form of inspiration is drawn from the work itself. The help of my supervisor and the research group propels me forward as well.

What lessons would you share with a budding researcher?

When you are applying for institutes of higher education, it is imperative that you select an advisor and a research group that is well-aligned with your research interests.

According to your opinion, what are the changes that the Sri Lankan education system needs to do, in order to meet the requirement of the international industry and academia?

Something I recognized after studying in the United States is that Sri Lankan universities need to extensively reform courses to include more practical experience and less exam-based assessment. The courses in US universities are designed to be predominantly assignment-based (typically leaving only 10–20% of the grade to exam-based assessment), the result of which is a richer and more meaningful learning experience.